preemption

American  

[pree-emp-shuhn] / priˈɛmp ʃən /

Or pre-emption

noun

1. the act or right of claiming or purchasing before or in preference to others.

2. Law.

   1. Also called federal preemption.  the doctrine that federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.

   2. Also called state preemption.  the doctrine that state law takes precedence over local law, such as county or municipal legislation, when the two conflict.

3. Military. a policy of attacking first when there is imminent threat of attack by an enemy, or an enactment of this policy: The possibility of preemption is of grave concern to several Pentagon officials.

   Preemption only works if there is sufficient intelligence capacity.

   The possibility of preemption is of grave concern to several Pentagon officials.

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Etymology

Origin of preemption

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) “bought beforehand” (past participle of praeëmere ) + -ion; pre-, emptor; redeem ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sinclair Broadcast Group is ending its preemption of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2025

Over the six days between the show’s preemption and its return, celebrities and influencers posted instructions on how to cancel subscriptions to Disney’s streaming services.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

Whenever that happens, the Constitution’s supremacy clause says federal law wins: Under what’s known as the preemption doctrine, federal law is the “supreme Law of the Land” and overrides the conflicting state law.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2024

When I wrote about preemption in 2021, I counted eight states with pending legislation; only two of those bills ended up becoming law.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2024

"Er—may I venture to ask if your husband holds squatter's rights, or has the homestead and preemption?"

From A Man in the Open by Pocock, Roger